DESIGNER DOGS By Bailey McIndoe

WHAT IS A DESIGNER DOG?  Hybrid dogs: Controlled cross-breeding between two purebreds for desirable traits.  The Name ‘Designer Dog’ come from media terminology due to the amount of interest from celebrities for theses hybrid dogs

Labradoodle Labrador Retriever crossed with a Standard or miniature poodle to create the desirable traits of low sheading coat (Poodle) and the trainability of the Labrador. Labrador retriever Poodle

THE PURPOSE OF DESIGNER DOG’S  Knowing the two purebred’s genes, we can determine traits either for that will be present in the ‘Designer Dogs’, the offspring. These traits are desirable for many reason  e.g Labradoodle: Low Sheading hypoallergenic coat of the poodle but with the loyalty and training abilities of a Labrador. Ideal for a family with Certain Health problems i.e.: Hay fever

HOW IT ALL WORKS Not all designer dogs are bred 50% purebred of each parent. To gain particular traits it may be necessary to do multi-generation crosses. This is a common practise.

To sum things up:  Purebred-A x Purebred-B = F1 Hybrid Dog  F1 x Purebred-A = F1b Hybrid Dog  F1 x F1 = F2 Hybrid Dog  F1 x F1b = F2b Hybrid Dog  F2 x F2 = F3 Hybrid Dog

PROS FOR DESIGNER DOGS:  Variety  Allergy friendly  Hybrid Vigour (less chance of genetic defects)  Behaviour specific to suit peoples lifestyle

CONS FOR DESIGNER DOGS:  Expensive  Chance of offspring not developing the desirable traits  Health Issues

ETHICAL ISSUES:  Puppy Mills  Health Issues  Buy a dog just for a trend

REFERENCES:  5_tvdesignerdogs.html 5_tvdesignerdogs.html   and-cons-of-designer-dogs.html and-cons-of-designer-dogs.html

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